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Occupational Skin Disorders

An invisible threat to Health, Safety & Efficiency

Occupational skin disorders, including work-related eczema, are a serious health issue that currently go largely unreported in the workplace; an invisible threat that affect both an organisation’s efficiency and the health and well-being of its employees.

"Up to 40% of workers will suffer a skin issue at some point in their working life."Centers for Disease Control & Prevention

"At any one time up to 10-15% of workers suffer from dermatitis."Luckhaupt et al; American Journal of Industrial Medicine 56:623-634 (2013)

" The incidence of occupational skin diseases...may be underestimated by 10 to 50 times."European Dermatology Forum White Book – Skin Diseases in Europe

Everyday workers are potentially exposed to contaminants and conditions that can be harmful to their skin, for example:

Water based detergents, liquids, chemicals

UVA and UVB sun rays

UVC rays from arc welding

Cold conditions indoors or outdoors

Mechanical oils, greases, solvents, cutting fluids

Resins, adhesives, paints, sealants

Dust, powders & airborne substances

Abrasion from tools, components and materials you handle

Sweating from wearing PPE such as gloves and safety footwear

Exposure to contaminants and working conditions, that can be harmful to skin health, potentially lead to risks for both the employee and the employer.

Risk for Employees

Sickness / absence from work

Reduced efficiency at work

Reduced pay

Lower morale and self-esteem

In worst cases, change of career

Risk for Employers

Bad publicity

Increased cost due to sickness days

Reduced productivity

Increased training & recruitment costs

In worst cases, potential compensation claims

The majority of cases of occupational skin disorder are irritant and allergic contact dermatitis, accounting for up to 95%, followed by skin cancer.

"A review of 18 years of data from an occupational dermatology clinic in Australia found that 75 per cent of patients referred to the dermatology clinic had been diagnosed with occupational contact dermatitis"

"At a total economic cost of over $33 million dollars annually, occupational contact dermatitis is a preventable disease if the proper work health and safety systems are in place."Safe Work Australia

" Skin diseases are the second most common work-related health problem in Europe. They represent more than 7% of all occupational illnesses and are one of the most important emerging risks related to the exposure to chemical, physical and biological risk factors. "European Agency for Safety and Health at Work

The Key Barriers to Effective Skin Care:

Other priorities and lack of understanding or recognition of the importance of skin health

Insufficient training and education for workers

The lack of appropriate skin care products and facilities

The location and accessibility of the products

The format in which products are provided, which can discourage product use